Rare Bird Alert

Lots of continuing ABA Area rarities this week, many of which have been present for multiple weeks. The Steller’s Sea-Eagle (ABA Code 4) in Maine was seen at least into the beginning of the week, but has been missing for a few days now.  Maryland is still hosting a Northern Lapwing (4) and the Blue Mockingbird (4) in New Mexico also persists. A Zenaida Dove (5) is still present in Florida. And in Texas, the ABA 1st  Bat Falcon (5) continues along with Social Flycatcher (5), Golden-crowned Warbler (4), and Crimson-collared Grosbeak (4).

Not a lot of new birds to report this year, but a surprising Bohemian Waxwing among a large flock of Cedar Waxwings in Roanoke, Virginia, may portend an interesting late winter. This represents the 3rd record for the state, but most notably the first record since 1975.

And to Florida, where both a Thick-billed Vireo (4) and a Yellow-faced Grassquit (4) were seen in Monroe. 

Omissions and errors are not intended, but if you find any please message blog AT aba.org and I will try to fix them as soon as possible. This post is meant to be an account of the most recently reported birds. Continuing birds not mentioned are likely included in previous editions listed here. Place names written in italics refer to counties/parishes.

Readers should note that none of these reports has yet been vetted by a records committee. All birders are urged to submit documentation of rare sightings to the appropriate state or provincial committees. For full analysis of these and other bird observations, subscribe to North American Birds, the richly illustrated journal of ornithological record published by the ABA.